The Athlete Brand Advisor Podcast

Pliable Inc.
  • 5.0 (1)
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  • Updated Monthly

The Athlete Brand Advisor Podcast with Greg Glynn features advice and interviews about name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities for high school, college and professional athletes, including marketing ideas for athlete branding. Learn how marketing, public relations and broadcasting can grow your athlete brand. We also have special episodes to talk about recent news, events and anything in the world of sports.

  1. May 12

    Character Development for Athletes & NIL opportunities

    This podcast episode of The Athlete Brand Advisor Podcast featured host Greg Glynn interviewing Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, a company focused on character development for youth athletes. The discussion covered the challenges in modern youth sports, including excessive pressure on athletes and parents, the impact of pay-to-play models, and the importance of restoring fun in sports.  Erin shared her background in corporate America and how she applies those skills to help develop young athletes, while Thomas discussed his transition from collegiate football to endurance sports and his current role as chief athletic officer. The conversation explored Blueprint to Bluechip's approach to helping athletes develop character, integrity, and discipline through personalized coaching programs that integrate physical training with life skills development. The episode concluded with information about how interested parties can learn more about their services through their website and social media channels. Blueprint to Bluechip™ Framework Greg discussed with Erin and Thomas their "Blueprint to Blue Chip" framework, which addresses character issues in youth sports. Erin shared her background, highlighting her 20+ years in corporate America and her role as a mother of two high school student athletes, explaining how corporate skills can be applied to developing young athletes. The discussion touched on the importance of teaching athletes that building a brand extends beyond financial gain, with Greg noting that many athletes can't make millions through NIL, but can achieve long-term success by building their athlete brand and platform around their passions and interests. Athlete Transition and Mentorship Program Thomas shared his transition from collegiate football to endurance sports after a neck injury ended his football career. He explained how he shifted from competing in 55 races by age 55 to focusing on mentoring high school athletes, particularly in light of modern issues like NIL deals and transfer portals affecting student-athletes' motivations. Thomas described how Blueprint, which started as a high school mentorship program, evolved under Erin's guidance into Blueprint to Bluechip, now serving as an industry standard for character development alongside physical training. Youth Athlete Development Strategy Erin discussed her approach to helping young athletes develop a strong foundation beyond their sports performance, particularly in the face of overwhelming social media noise and parental expectations driven by the pay-to-play model. She emphasized the importance of helping athletes understand their value extends beyond their athletic abilities and encouraging parents to view sports investments as developmental support rather than financial returns.  Youth Athlete Development Challenges Thomas discussed the challenges in working with younger athletes, emphasizing the importance of allowing them to enjoy sports without excessive pressure from parents. He highlighted Blueprint's sweet spot for engagement as sophomore and junior years, advocating for playing multiple sports and realistic expectations about professional careers. Thomas also noted the unique situations faced by inner-city athletes, where sports can serve as a primary source of support, and stressed the need for appropriate support systems around athletes. Youth Sports Reform Discussion Erin expressed concerns about the current state of youth sports, arguing that without corrections, sports risk losing their educational value and fun aspects. She suggested restoring the recreational nature of sports, alleviating financial pressures on families, and improving funding for school athletics. Greg and Erin discussed how addressing these issues could help reduce pressure on youth athletes and provide better perspective on athletic careers, with Greg noting the importance of discussing college opportunities as a way to ease that pressure. College Athlete Development Alternatives Greg and Thomas discussed the pressure on young athletes to pursue D1 sports, noting that most won't go pro and suggesting alternatives like D2, D3 programs, and junior colleges to help manage expectations and restore fun in college sports. Thomas emphasized the importance of social media's impact on athletes' opportunities and highlighted the need to find schools that match athletes' skill sets while providing education and a positive experience. The conversation then shifted to exploring how Blueprint to Bluechip helps athletes develop character and skills, with Greg inviting Erin to discuss specific frameworks and methods being used. Core Identity and Decision-Making Skills Erin explained their approach to helping individuals identify their core identity and develop conscious decision-making skills. She described how they work with students to understand the long-term ramifications of their choices, particularly focusing on how everyday decisions impact their future goals and opportunities. Erin emphasized the importance of making exceptional momentary decisions to achieve excellence, and noted that they work with both students and parents to bring awareness to their actions and decision-making processes.   Show Resources: Websites BlueprintBluechip.com PliableMarketing.com   Social Media @blueprint.to.bluechip @PliableMktg

    31 min

  2. May 5

    How the NIL Partnership with Aroma Joe's and Pliable Marketing Works

    How does the Aroma Joe’s community ambassador NIL program work? This episode with host Greg Glynn, founder & CEO of Pliable features special guest Crystal Brown, community marketing manager for Aroma Joe’s Development Office. Greg and Crystal shared how the Community Ambassador Program at Aroma Joe's was created and how the program evolved from its inception in 2022 with Alyssa Bourque to become a unique NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) partnership for athletes across the country that focuses on community engagement rather than only brand and product promotion.  Crystal explained how the program helps build leadership skills and community connections for college athletes while aligning with Aroma Joe's mission of positively impacting people through local coffee shops. They discussed the importance of maintaining positive social media content when representing brands and the potential for expanding the program to high school athletes. The conversation also touched on future opportunities, including potential partnerships with organizations like Winter Kids, Make-A-Wish and the Travis Mills Foundation and more! Greg and Crystal discussed the history of their collaboration, noting that they first started talking about a community ambassador program on April 27th, 2022, with Alyssa Bourque being signed as the first community ambassador on May 5th, 2023. Greg highlighted the uniqueness of their program and the strong affinity for the brand among younger demographics. NIL Program Community Building Strategy Greg and Crystal discussed their NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) community ambassador program at Aroma Joe's, which focuses on community building and leadership development for college athletes. Crystal explained how the coffee brand's mission aligns with community impact, allowing athletes to promote causes they're passionate about while gaining valuable leadership skills. Greg noted that their approach of identifying athletes based on character rather than just athletic ability has been successful in building a strong community network around the program. Aroma Joe's Community Engagement Program The discussion focused on how Aroma Joe's community engagement program has evolved to provide meaningful opportunities for athletes to participate in local events. Crystal explained that while initially challenging to find appropriate roles for athletes, the program has developed into various activities including experiential van events and sports card shows where athletes can represent both the brand and themselves. Greg noted that this generation of athletes is seeking new ways to give back to their communities, and the program allows them to promote local events and support organizations like Make-A-Wish through targeted promotions. Local Athlete Engagement Strategy Greg and Crystal discussed the value of working with local athletes who have smaller but engaged followings compared to larger celebrity athletes. They emphasized the importance of community connection and personal impact, noting how local athletes can create meaningful relationships with their audience through events and direct interactions. Greg shared an example of an athlete being recognized by a fan at a community event, highlighting the positive impact of these connections. Social Media Impact on Role Models Greg and Crystal discussed the positive impact of community events and the importance of maintaining clean social media accounts for role models, particularly athletes. They emphasized how content shared on social media reflects an individual's identity and future career aspirations. Crystal highlighted the long-lasting nature of online content and the need for individuals to consider their digital footprint carefully. Athlete Social Media Brand Partnerships Greg discussed the importance of athletes maintaining positive social media content when representing brands, explaining that negative content or inappropriate gestures can lead brands to reject partnership opportunities. He emphasized that athletes should consider their online presence as a reflection of the brand they represent, particularly when engaging with younger audiences who look up to them. The conversation concluded with Greg asking Crystal about future developments in the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) space, particularly regarding opportunities for high school and college athletes. NIL Opportunities for High School Athletes Greg and Crystal discussed the potential for NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities to impact high school athletes and their communities. They highlighted the importance of building leadership skills and personal connections with the community from a young age, with Crystal sharing her experience with a health promotion program in elementary schools. Greg mentioned Maddie Niles from Lawrence High School as a great example of a successful high school athlete who embraced NIL opportunities early and became a community ambassador, gaining valuable life skills and recognition, including being featured in the Wall Street Journal. NIL Program Growth and Expansion Greg and Crystal discussed the success of their NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) program, highlighting the partnership with the University of Maine and the growth of Pliable athletes in the region. They emphasized the program's unique approach to NIL, focusing on community impact rather than just revenue sharing. The discussion included concerns about scaling the program while maintaining control and ensuring it aligns with their brand values across multiple states. Both Greg and Crystal expressed excitement about future opportunities to present the program at conferences, trade shows, and colleges, as well as their commitment to making a positive community impact. Community Ambassador Program Expansion Plans Greg and Crystal discussed the success of their community ambassador program, highlighting the application process, waiting list, and NIL education opportunities through Pliable U. Greg emphasized the importance of athletes educating themselves about name, image, and likeness opportunities and how it works prior to applying for the Aroma Joe's Community Ambassador Program. This is a requirement of becoming a Community Ambassador for Aroma Joe's. Episode Resources Find Crystal on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-brown-240819123/ Crystal’s email: Crystal@aromajoesdev.com Pliable’s website: PliableMarketing.com Application form to be a Pliable athlete: https://pliablemarketing.com/nil-representation Pliable U (online education for athletes about NIL): PliableU.com

    34 min

  3. Apr 13

    What you need to know about NIL and your taxes

    This episode of the Athlete Brand Advisor Podcast featured host Greg Glynn interviewing Sophie Miller, a CPA from Larson Company based in Utah, about tax strategies for college athletes involved in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Sophie is a former college volleyball player at Eastern Washington, discussed the importance of setting up an LLC for athletes earning money annually from NIL activities to protect assets and potentially reduce self-employment taxes. They covered key tax planning steps including tracking income and expenses in spreadsheets, reporting all income regardless of amount, opening business bank accounts, and gathering necessary documentation like 1099s and W-2s.  NIL Tax Planning for Athletes Sophie discussed her journey from college athlete to CPA, explaining how she initially studied accounting with the intention of becoming a bookkeeper before pursuing her master's in taxation and working at a big four firm. She advised athletes earning over $5,000 from NIL deals to start by setting up an LLC, which provides flexibility to file as either a sole proprietor or S corporation. Sophie explained that athletes working as contractors are subject to both income tax and self-employment tax (on top of income tax), making the LLC structure beneficial for managing these tax obligations. Athlete LLC Formation Benefits Discussion Sophie and Greg discussed the benefits of forming an LLC for athletes, particularly those involved in NIL deals and camps/clinics. They agreed that while an LLC provides valuable liability protection, it might not be necessary for very small operations (under $5,000 annually), but becomes more important for higher-value activities or those involving physical activities like camps. The discussion also covered tax implications, including dependency status considerations for athletes over 18 who are earning income, and the importance of discussing tax filing strategies with parents. Athlete Tax Planning Guidance Sophie talked with Greg about tax considerations for athletes, explaining that brand deals involving free products should be reported as income regardless of the amount, even if no 1099 form is received. She recommended tracking both income from products and expenses including cell phone bills, accounting fees, mileage, and sport-specific training costs to maximize tax deductions.  NIL Income and Expense Tracking Greg and Sophie discussed tracking income and expenses for NIL activities. They recommended using a spreadsheet or business bank account to record transactions, with a focus on reviewing records at year-end rather than waiting until tax filing time. Greg emphasized the importance of tracking both cash and non-cash transactions, including product value, and suggested that athletes should report all expenses, including travel costs for appearances and autograph signings, as potential tax write-offs. NIL Income Tax Strategy Planning Sophie and Greg discussed strategies for managing NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) income, including ways to optimize tax deductions by shifting income to family members in lower tax brackets and using expenses like travel and office supplies as deductions. They also covered the importance of collecting 1099 forms from brand partners and maintaining expense records for tax purposes, noting that while CPAs don't require every receipt, it's wise to keep them for potential audits. Athlete Tax Documentation Services Sophie explained the documentation athletes need for tax purposes, including W-2s, 1099s, 1098Ts, and 5498s, and discussed how to start a relationship with a CPA. She outlined Larson and Company's tax services, including pricing starting at $650 for a basic return, and noted that while they cannot set up LLCs directly, they can provide guidance and resources. SophieM emphasized the importance of early financial planning for athletes and confirmed that her firm can work with clients across all states. Resources: Website: https://larsco.com NIL article about taxes: https://larsco.com/blog/nil-and-taxes-what-college-athletes-need-to-know-about-their-earnings Email: smiller@larsco.com Phone: 435-259-9100 Pliable Marketing: PliableMarketing.com

    34 min

  4. Mar 13

    Why Athletes Make Great Coaches with Author Matt Rogers

    In this episode of The Athlete Brand Advisor Podcast, Greg Glynn interviewed Matt Rogers, author of "The Recipe for Being a Great Coach," to discuss his sports background, coaching career, and the inspiration behind writing the book. Matt shared his experiences playing college sports at Bowdoin College and his journey into coaching, emphasizing the importance of building positive team cultures and teaching life lessons through sports. Matt explained that the book, which contains 22 chapters focused on skills and life lessons, aims to help coaches and athletes become their best version of themselves and inspire others. Journey to Success in Coaching Matt shared his journey from a multi-sport athlete in Maine to becoming a successful coach, author, and hitting coach at Bowdoin College. He discussed his early experiences playing sports with his siblings and emphasized the values of faith, family, education, and sports instilled by his parents. Matt reflected on his college career at Bowdoin, where he initially struggled with the team's performance and culture but chose to stay, eventually leading the team to its best record in school history by his senior year. He highlighted the importance of perseverance and personal growth over winning records, and his recent book, "The Recipe for Being a Great Coach," explores these themes further. Matt's Coaching Journey and Philosophy Matt discussed his coaching career, which began in high school and continued through various roles, including assistant coaching at Deering High School and coaching basketball and baseball at different levels. He expressed a preference for coaching baseball and basketball, highlighting the psychological aspects of baseball and the ability to make in-game adjustments in basketball. Matt emphasized the importance of coaching as a way to instill work ethic, team spirit, and life lessons, regardless of age. Greg inquired about Matt's decision to write the book "The Recipe for Being a Great Coach," but Matt did not provide a specific answer in this segment. Sports Beyond Records and Titles Matt discussed his journey of writing a book which focuses on the essential aspects of sports beyond records and titles, emphasizing shared experiences, friendships, and life lessons. Inspired by a friend, Dave Eid, Matt decided to transform his ideas into a book, which was surprisingly accepted by a publisher. He explained that the book is applicable to anyone seeking personal growth and leadership, highlighting the importance of being selfless and positive. Matt expressed his hope that the book would help others improve themselves and, in turn, assist others. Greg agreed, emphasizing the book's relevance for coaches and athletes and its potential to inspire higher standards in coaching and leadership. Episode Resources: Buy the book Contact Matt at M22rogers@aol.com or call 207-318-6056 Bowdoin College Dave Eid Cash McClure Basketball Camp and Training Greg Glynn Pliable Marketing

    21 min

  5. Feb 17

    The Science Behind Female Athletes with Christine Yu

    To celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Month, host Greg Glynn, founder & CEO of Pliable interviewed Christine Yu, an award-winning journalist and author of "Up to Speed: The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletes." They discussed Christine's background in journalism and her passion for women's sports, which led her to write the book to address the gender gap in sports science research.   Christine shared insights on the myths and misconceptions about women's athletic capabilities, the importance of proper nutrition and strength training for young female athletes, and the high rate of ACL injuries among female athletes. They also touched on the historical and societal factors that have contributed to the underrepresentation of women in sports science studies. Greg and Christine discussed actionable tips for young girls and parents to support bone health and prevent injuries. The episode concluded with information on where listeners can find Christine's book. Journey to Sports Science Advocacy Christine discussed her journey from a nonprofit background to becoming an award-winning journalist, highlighting her passion for writing and storytelling. She explained how her interest in sports evolved from personal experience and her realization of the gender data gap in sports science research, which inspired her to write a book on the topic. Christine shared surprising findings, such as historical women scientists' efforts to debunk myths about women's physical capabilities being dismissed, and emphasized the importance of addressing these misconceptions to support girls and women in sports. Nutrition for Female Adolescent Athletes Christine discussed the historical and ongoing gender-based limitations in sports, particularly for women, and emphasized the importance of proper nutrition for adolescent athletes to support bone health and overall development. She highlighted the need for regular meals and snacks, especially before and after practices, and recommended consulting a sports dietitian for personalized advice. Christine also stressed the significance of maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle as an indicator of hormonal balance and its long-term implications for bone health. Women's Sports Injury Prevention Strategies Christine and Greg discussed women's sports, focusing on injury prevention and body type considerations. Christine emphasized the importance of strength training and neuromuscular training for reducing ACL injury risk in female athletes, particularly during adolescence. She highlighted that while biological factors like pelvic width are often cited as risk factors, environmental and societal factors, such as lack of access to strength training, also play a significant role. Greg and Christine agreed on the need to empower young female athletes to take control of their injury prevention through accessible training programs.   Resources Buy the book https://www.christinemyu.com/ Christine's social media https://www.instagram.com/cyu888/ Pliable Marketing website https://pliablemarketing.com/ Mission E50 initiative to increase the popularity of women's sports https://pliablemarketing.com/e50

    28 min

  6. Feb 10

    How NIL opportunities are created with FanSpark

    This episode of The Athlete Brand Advisor Podcast featured Barrett Garese and Greg Glynn discussing Barrett's career journey from film school to his current role with FanSpark, a subscription content platform for athletes that enables monetization through exclusive fan-powered content. Barrett explained how FanSpark operates as a safe and simple platform with an 80-20 revenue split favoring athletes, and discussed its features including discovery tools and safety measures designed to foster authentic athlete-fan relationships. Social Media Producer's Career Evolution Barrett shared his career journey, starting in film school where he realized he preferred producing over directing, leading to roles at Thunder Road and UTA. He became an expert in social media during his time at UTA, helping agents advise clients on digital platforms like Twitter and Facebook. After leaving UTA, he founded a consulting company focused on social media strategy for actors, which expanded to working with TV shows, production companies, and studios on emerging technologies and streaming platforms. Athlete-Focused Content Monetization Platform Barrett explained that FanSpark is a subscription content platform for athletes that allows them to monetize their fanbase through exclusive content, similar to Patreon but with a 80-20% revenue split in favor of athletes. He emphasized that the platform is free to use, does not have DMs, tipping, ads, or AI content, and is designed to be safe and simple for both athletes and fans. Barrett also highlighted that FanSpark is a PG-13 or lower platform, aiming to be inclusive for the whole family, and mentioned that while Ilona Maher's was an inspiration for the platform, she is not currently on FanSpark. Athlete-Fan Relationship Platform Discussion Barrett and Greg discussed the importance of creating a platform that fosters authentic relationships between athletes and fans, emphasizing the need for content that reflects genuine athlete personalities without compromising safety. They highlighted the platform's features, such as blocking and muting tools, to ensure athlete safety and comfort, particularly for college athletes. Barrett explained their focus on discovery features, like the Sparkboard, which prioritizes engagement over popularity, encouraging users to explore new athletes and sports. Both agreed on the potential for such a platform to enhance fan engagement and athlete influence, drawing parallels to how social media could have transformed athlete-fan interactions in the past. FanSpark's Discovery Pathways for Sports Barrett explained that FanSpark's discovery pathways aim to introduce users to new sports by leveraging the popularity of existing ones, similar to ESPN's approach of featuring top 10 clips during SportsCenter. He shared his personal experience of discovering women's rugby through Ilona Maher's social media content during the 2024 Olympics, which led him to become a fan of the sport. Greg agreed that the platform is well-suited for growing women's sports and discussed the opportunities for athletes to monetize their content through brand deals and storytelling. FanSpark Athlete Engagement Strategy Barrett explained how athletes can use FanSpark.pro to create authentic content and engage with fans, recommending twice-weekly posts. Barrett announced a new campaign called "First to 500," offering a $500 bonus and a custom championship ring to the first athlete to reach 500 subscribers on the platform. Episode resources Website www.fanspark.pro Social media accounts  https://www.instagram.com/fansparkpro https://www.tiktok.com/@fansparkpro Email info@fanspark.pro

    31 min

  7. Jan 18

    NIL Contracts, Negotiations and Networking with Johnnie Perkins

    In this episode of the Athlete Brand Advisor Podcast, Greg Glynn, founder & CEO of Pliable Marketing interviewed Johnnie Perkins, an NIL Compliance & Athlete Services Strategist about NIL contracts, negotiating, and networking. Johnnie shared his extensive background in strategic operations, compliance, and contract negotiations, emphasizing his passion for college sports and his commitment to supporting student-athletes through NIL opportunities. They discussed the importance of building trust, maintaining relationships, and educating athletes about the financial implications of NIL deals.  Johnnie highlighted his daily routine of reading NIL-related resources and his goal of becoming a Manager of Athlete Relations. The episode also touched on the role of organizations like Athletes.org in collective bargaining and the positive impact of athletes using their NIL platforms for charitable causes.  NIL Compliance and Athlete Relations Johnnie shared his daily routine of reading NIL-related content and his extensive network of contacts in the sports world. Johnnie shared his extensive background in sports management, contract negotiations, and regulatory compliance, highlighting his experience in both public and private sectors. He emphasized the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships with student-athletes and their families, as well as understanding the varying NIL rules across different levels of sports and states. Johnnie also discussed the realities of NIL opportunities, noting that the median earnings for student-athletes are much lower than often reported, and stressed the need for clear communication and support to retain athletes. Building Trust in NIL Negotiations Greg and Johnnie discussed the importance of trust in athlete-school relationships and NIL negotiations. Johnnie shared personal experiences about building trust through follow-through and negotiation, emphasizing the value of keeping promises. They also talked about the challenges student-athletes face in the NIL world, including misleading opportunities and the need for personal advocacy.  Johnnie highlighted his extensive LinkedIn network in NIL and the importance of staying informed through various resources to support student-athletes. Athletes.org Transparency and Negotiations The discussion focused on Athletes.org's efforts to increase transparency in athlete endorsements and their work on a collective bargaining agreement for college athletes. Johnnie praised Athletes.org's collective bargaining document and shared his experience in contract negotiations, emphasizing that every challenge can be overcome with determination and proper negotiation strategies. He highlighted the complexity of labor laws across different states and the importance of building relationships and understanding collective bargaining to protect both student-athletes and institutions.  NIL Opportunities for Student-Athletes Johnnie and Greg discussed the positive impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) on student-athletes, emphasizing its potential to support athletes beyond their playing days. They highlighted inspiring examples of athletes using NIL for charitable causes and the importance of educating student-athletes about contracts and tax implications. Johnnie expressed his interest in a career focused on supporting student-athletes.  Episode Related Resources Contact Johnnie Perkins Website: JohnniePerkins.com Phone: 619-385-0474 Email: jperk0307@gmail.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnie-perkins/ YouTube Resume video www.youtube.com/@johnnieperkinsreferee Sports Management World Wide NIL Course https://www.sportsmanagementworldwide.com/courses/name-image-likeness Use promo code PLIABLE100 to save $100 on your class! The Business of College Sports https://businessofcollegesports.com/ Athletes.org https://www.athletes.org/agents/ On3.com https://www.on3.com/nil/news/ Information for International Athletes https://businessofcollegesports.com/nil-for-international-athletes/ NIL Wire Newsletter https://www.nil-wire.com/subscribe?ref=OsTkKFt3Xb NIL Newsstand & Newsletter https://www.nilnewsstand.com/ Darren Heitner Newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/newsletter-image-likeness-6995176238755545088/ Braley Keller NIL Blitz https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/nil-blitz-7096874403442884608/ Mit Winter on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mit-winter-75340912/ Rev U Newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/nil-sideline-report-7397722696282931201/ Athlete Playbook by Kristi Dosh https://theathletesnilplaybook.com/

    28 min

  8. 12/18/2025

    Talking NIL and women's hockey in Minnesota with Heather Rule

    In this episode of the Athlete Brand Advisor Podcast, host Greg Glynn sits down with Heather Rule to explore the evolving world of sports journalism, the rapid growth of women’s ice hockey, and how athletes are becoming powerful influencers through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Heather shares her journey from general news reporting into sports journalism, her experience covering Minnesota’s iconic hockey scene, and her passion for telling underrepresented athlete stories. The conversation also dives into Heather’s work as a children’s book author, including her latest book focused on NIL and how it’s reshaping opportunities—especially for women athletes. Heather Rule is an award-winning freelance sports journalist based in the suburbs of the Twin Cities in Minnesota. She has covered professional, collegiate, and high school sports for a wide range of media outlets, with a strong focus on women’s ice hockey. In addition to her reporting, Heather is the author of 13 non-fiction children’s sports books, many of which are featured in school libraries and focus on topics such as women in sports, the Olympics, and athletes as influencers. She is also the lead writer behind The Written Rule of Sports, a platform dedicated to thoughtful, in-depth sports storytelling. 🎧 Episode Overview 🏒 Key Topics Discussed • Heather’s Path Into Sports Journalism Heather reflects on her early career in news reporting and how she transitioned into sports journalism, ultimately carving out a niche covering hockey at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels across Minnesota. • Covering Women’s Ice Hockey in Minnesota Greg and Heather discuss the growth of women’s hockey over the past decade, including improvements in skill level, physicality, visibility, and leadership opportunities. They also touch on the importance of Minnesota high school hockey as a developmental and cultural pipeline. • Athletes Transitioning Into Media Careers The conversation explores how former athletes are well-positioned to enter sports journalism, content creation, and media roles after their playing careers end. • The Written Rule of Sports & Substack Launch Heather explains why she launched her Substack under The Written Rule of Sports, aiming to provide deeper coverage of sports and athletes that often receive limited mainstream attention. • Spotlight on Influencers in Women’s Hockey Heather shares insights from her in-depth profile of Winnie Brodt- Brown, a major influencer and leader in Minnesota women’s hockey, highlighting the research and storytelling that went into the piece. • Writing Children’s Sports Books Heather discusses her work writing non-fiction sports books for school libraries, including series focused on women in sports, Olympic athletes, and sports history. • NIL and Athletes as Influencers A major theme of the episode centers on NIL and how it has changed the landscape for women’s sports. Heather and Greg discuss how NIL has allowed athletes to build brands, increase visibility, and generate income—often exceeding traditional earnings in women’s professional sports. • Notable NIL Examples The conversation references athletes like Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, and Simone Biles as examples of how NIL has unlocked new levels of opportunity and influence. 🎯 Key Takeaways for Athletes & Brands Storytelling is a powerful brand-building tool for athletes Women’s sports are growing rapidly, but visibility remains critical NIL allows athletes to monetize their platforms while staying focused on performance Journalists and content creators play a key role in elevating underrepresented sports Athletes should think long-term about career paths beyond competition 🔜 What’s Next Heather shared that she is currently: Working on a new children’s sports book Writing non-sports features for an outdoor and hunting magazine Continuing to expand coverage through The Written Rule of Sports 📬 Connect with Heather Rule 🌐 Website: https://www.heatherrule.com 📰 Substack: The Written Rule of Sports 📧 Email: heatherrule@gmail.com 📱 X (Twitter): @HeatherRule 📸 Instagram: @heather_rule

    25 min
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About

The Athlete Brand Advisor Podcast with Greg Glynn features advice and interviews about name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities for high school, college and professional athletes, including marketing ideas for athlete branding. Learn how marketing, public relations and broadcasting can grow your athlete brand. We also have special episodes to talk about recent news, events and anything in the world of sports.

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